Regional Budget and Financial Management Advisor, EAMWIO Full Time NEW

Position: Regional Budget and Financial Management Advisor, EAMWIO
Reports to: Regional Business Manager (RBM)
Positions Managed: N/A
Location: Africa Regional Hub-Kigali, Rwanda
Country Program/Sector: N/A
Position Type: Full-time
Scope/Capacity: Regional
Coordinates with: East Africa Regional team, Country Finance Directors

About Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS):
WCS stands for wildlife and wild places. As the world’s premier wildlife conservation organisation, WCS has a long track record of achieving innovative, impactful results on a scale. We run programs spanning the entire ocean and more than 3 million biologically critical square miles in nearly 60 countries. We build on a unique foundation: Our reach is global; we discover through best-in-class science; we protect through on-the-ground work with local and indigenous people; we inspire through our world-class zoos, aquariums, and education programs; and we leverage our resources through partnerships and powerful policy influence. Our 4,000 diverse, passionately committed team members in New York City and around the world work collectively to achieve our conservation mission.

Program Overview:
EAMWIO Region is one of the largest of WCS’s 13 Global Regional Programs; it spans Mozambique, Madagascar, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya.

Job Summary:
The Regional Budget & Financial Management Advisor is responsible for leading budget management, financial monitoring, and analysis in support of WCS’s East Africa, Madagascar & Western Indian Ocean (EAMWIO) regional strategy. The position ensures effective use of financial resources, timely and accurate financial information, and strong budget planning to guide decision-making. The Advisor works closely with the Regional Business Manager, Regional Controller, and Country Finance Directors, providing technical leadership, forecasting, and hands-on support to country programs as needed. The role also provides surge and temporary coverage during staffing gaps, supports audit follow-up, and contributes to strengthening financial systems and procedures across the region.

Major Responsibilities:

Budgeting & Financial Planning

• Forecasting: Support financial forecasting, business planning, and unit-cost analysis to strengthen strategic decision-making.
• Budget Management: Lead the regional budgeting process, review country submissions, and ensure timely adjustments; manage regional unrestricted funds and grants for optimal allocation.
• Proposal Support: Provide input and review for proposal budgets to ensure completeness, accuracy, and compliance with WCS/donor requirements.

Financial Monitoring & Analysis

• Tracking & KPIs: Update and monitor quarterly financial KPIs for countries and grants; analyse spending trends and BvA (budget vs actual) to flag risks and opportunities.
• Spending Trends: Analyse regional and country-level financial data, including budget vs actual summaries, to identify risks, opportunities, and efficiency gains, complementing the Grants Manager’s donor-facing BvA reviews.
• Tools & Systems: Support development and update of budget management tools (e.g. timesheet trackers, monthly follow-up files); troubleshoot system issues with country teams.

Capacity Building & Support

• Training: Deliver training on budgeting systems and financial management practices; provide ad hoc workshops in coordination with the RBM.
• Advisory Support: Provide guidance to country finance teams on implementing financial procedures and applying improvements in response to audit recommendations, in close collaboration with the Regional Controller.
• Surge Support: Provide temporary coverage for Country Finance Directors during vacancies/leave; deploy to countries for short-term support during peak financial demands.

Coordination & Procedures

• Collaboration: Work closely with the Regional Business Manager and Regional Controller to draft, roll out, and enforce regional financial procedures.
• Internal Coordination: Ensure close communication with Country Finance Directors and HQ Finance on budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
• Carry out additional responsibilities as required to strengthen financial management and delivery of the regional strategy.

Minimum Requirements and Job Skills:

• Master’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field;
• Minimum 5 years’ experience managing large, multi-donor budgets for international NGOs.
• Strong financial analysis, budgeting, and forecasting skills; advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Experience with financial systems and internal controls; ability to strengthen processes and support compliance.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with proven success working in diverse and multicultural environments.
• Fluent in professional English; French language skills are a strong plus.
• Close attention to detail, integrity, and commitment to strong financial stewardship and WCS’s mission.

Additional requirements:

• Periodic need to work overlapping hours with teams located in different time zones
• Travel within the region, including to remote locations

Tagged as: Rwanda, Wildlife Conservation Society